We were lucky to catch up with Melinda Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Melinda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Experiencing divorce was the most challenging life lesson I encountered as a young adult. No one enters marriage with the expectation of divorce. Confronted with this harsh reality, and while living away from family and friends, I turned to the Lord for guidance. I felt compelled to assist other women facing marital difficulties, which led me to establish a small group at my church called “Marriage Restoration.” Over the seven years I hosted this group, I witnessed the Lord perform remarkable transformations.

At the time my divorce was finalized, I also lost my job in education, prompting me to feel a strong inclination to return to school. After researching graduate programs in professional counseling and much prayer, I chose Liberty University. I applied and was accepted in the spring of 2013. I began my Master’s in Human Service Counseling with a focus on Marriage and Family during the same month my eldest daughter graduated high school in May 2013. At that time, I was a newly single mother of three—my eldest daughter was entering college, I had a three-year-old son, and a daughter in elementary school. This marked a significant transition for me.

I embarked on a new journey, enrolling in two graduate courses every eight weeks for an entire year. Juggling sleepless nights, being present for my children, and continuing to host the Marriage Restoration group was both challenging and rewarding. By the grace of God, I completed 30 graduate hours in just one year. My son graduated from preschool while I graduated with my master’s degree in May 2014. Successfully navigating graduate school during this emotionally and mentally taxing season affirmed my belief that I could overcome any obstacle through a life surrendered to Christ, coupled with prayer and the support of my family.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I got into biblical marriage counseling by having a desire to help other families to not experience what my family and I experience with marital divorce. Children in between two households, financial hardship, spending the holiday alone, and being a safe space for everyone emotions wellbeing as we adjusted to the new normal.

I am a faith-filled powerhouse and the visionary Founder and Director of Married for Life, Inc., a nonprofit ministry breathing new life into marriages through biblical principles, real conversations, and heartfelt restoration. For nearly two decades, she’s mentored and counseled, individuals, and families, turning pain into purpose and relationships into testimonies.

Armed with a master’s degree in human services counseling Marriage and Family and multiple graduate certificates in Management & Leadership, Healthcare Management, and Pastoral Counseling, Melinda brings both spiritual depth and professional excellence to her work. I holds specialized certifications in Blended Families, S*xual Betrayal, Deception, and Trauma, and Love, S*x & Attachment, making her a trusted expert in navigating the deepest struggles couples face. As a Prepared Enrich Certified Facilitator and Mental Health Coach, her approach is both practical and powerful—always rooted in compassion and Christ.

I am a builder of bridges: between spouses, between generations, and between hearts and healing. From her “Healing One Marriage at a Time mission to Stronger Together Couples Activities to my 7-day devotionals and interactive workshops, I infuses creativity, counseling, and connection into every tool I create. With a heart for service and a mind for strategy, I lead a growing movement that’s redefining marriage ministry for today’s couples.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Consistency has been instrumental in establishing my reputation within the marriage ministry sector, particularly outside traditional church settings. The inaugural event hosted six months after the founding of Married for Life Inc. was a Thanksgiving Giveaway aimed at middle-class families. Having personally experienced temporary hardships without access to assistance, I decided to collaborate with two other organizations to support 20 families, allowing them to redirect the funds typically allocated for Thanksgiving preparations to other essential needs.

In addition to this initiative, I organized free enrichment workshops, shared educational content on social media, and created a private Facebook group where I provide themed resources to strengthen marriages. Regardless of whether I had one client or five for biblical counseling, I have consistently dedicated myself to enriching marriages through various opportunities.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

The Holy Bible has been instrumental in my efforts to prepare and support marriages. As the divine architect of marriage, the Lord’s word conveys profound biblical truths. I find inspiration in the book of Proverbs, which offers invaluable wisdom for navigating life. In addition, I utilize faith-based resources that integrate biblical teachings, allowing me to deepen my relationship with Christ while leading a ministry grounded in wisdom, integrity, and compassion.

One particularly insightful book is *The Richest Man Who Ever Lived: King Solomon’s Secrets to Success, Wealth, and Happiness*, which provides guidance on becoming a more effective CEO, entrepreneur, and steward of resources. Another valuable resource, *Smith Wigglesworth on Faith*, has enhanced my understanding of faith and strengthened my spiritual journey, enabling me to fulfill my purpose of helping families.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marriedforlifeinc.org
• Instagram: marriedforlife_inc
• Facebook: marriedforlifeinc

Image Credits

These images were taken by my personal cell phone to capture the moment.